London, UK – Paul Thomas Anderson’s darkly comic thriller, One Battle After Another, dominated the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held Sunday evening, securing six wins including Best Film and Best Director. The film’s success positions it as a strong contender heading into the upcoming Academy Awards. Still, the night also saw surprising wins for Robert Aramayo, who took home both the Leading Actor and EE Rising Star awards, and Jessie Buckley, who was recognized as Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.
The BAFTAs, a prestigious event celebrating cinematic achievement, showcased a diverse range of talent and storytelling. One Battle After Another, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning accolades for its direction, cinematography, editing, and supporting performances. The film’s win for Best Film underscores its critical and commercial success, solidifying Anderson’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker. The film was nominated for a total of 14 awards, ultimately converting six of those nominations into wins.
Aramayo’s Double Triumph and Buckley’s Historic Win
In a stunning upset, Robert Aramayo, known for his role in the British biopic I Swear, beat out Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet to claim the Best Actor award. Aramayo’s portrayal of John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, resonated deeply with voters and audiences. Adding to his remarkable night, Aramayo also received the EE Rising Star Award, marking the first time an actor has won both categories in the same year. The BBC reported that Aramayo was visibly moved upon accepting his awards, expressing his disbelief and gratitude.
Jessie Buckley’s win for Best Actress for her role as Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, in Hamnet, was equally celebrated. Buckley’s performance was lauded for its emotional depth and nuance. Her win is particularly significant as she became the first Irish actress to receive the award. The Guardian noted the historical importance of Buckley’s achievement, highlighting her impact on the industry.
Supporting Cast and Crew Recognized
Beyond the leading performances, the BAFTAs also honored exceptional work in supporting roles and technical categories. Sean Penn, who played Colonel Steven Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, won the award for Best Supporting Actor, though he was not present at the ceremony to accept it. Wunmi Mosaku was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners. Ryan Coogler took home the award for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, while Paul Thomas Anderson was again recognized for Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another.
Technical achievements were also celebrated, with One Battle After Another winning awards for Best Cinematography (Michael Bauman), Best Editing (Andy Jurgensen), and Best Sound. Frankenstein received recognition for its stunning production design, costume design (Kate Hawley), and makeup and hair. Avatar: Fire and Ash was honored for its groundbreaking visual effects, and Zootopia 2 was named Best Animated Film.
British Talent Shines
The BAFTAs also highlighted emerging British talent. Akinola Davies Jr. And Wale Davies were awarded Best Debut British Film for their work on My Father’s Shadow. Lauren Evans received the award for Best Casting for I Swear. The award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was presented to Clare Binns, the creative director of PictureHouse Cinemas, recognizing her dedication to independent film exhibition.
The ceremony also included a special BAFTA Fellowship presented to Donna Langley, the president of NBCUniversal Entertainment, acknowledging her significant contributions to the film industry.
Controversy and Celebration
The evening wasn’t without its moments of disruption. The Independent reported that John Davidson, the campaigner whose life inspired I Swear, experienced involuntary outbursts during the ceremony due to his Tourette’s syndrome. Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation, explaining the nature of the condition and apologizing for any offense caused. This incident brought increased awareness to Tourette’s syndrome and the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
Full List of BAFTA 2026 Winners
- Film: One Battle After Another
- British Film: Hamnet
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Actor: Robert Aramayo, I Swear
- Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
- Rising Star: Robert Aramayo
- Debut British Film: Akinola Davies Jr. And Wale Davies for My Father’s Shadow
- Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
- Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
- Original Music: Sinners
- Cinematography: Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
- Editing: Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
- Production Design: Frankenstein
- Costume Design: Kate Hawley, Frankenstein
- Sound: F1
- Casting: Lauren Evans, I Swear
- Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Makeup & Hair: Frankenstein
- Animated Film: Zootopia 2
- British Short Film: This represents Endometriosis
- British Short Animation: Two Black Boys in Paradise
- Children & Family Film: Boong
- Documentary: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Clare Binns
- BAFTA Fellowship: Donna Langley
Looking Ahead to the Oscars
With its impressive haul of awards, One Battle After Another is now a frontrunner in the race for the Oscars. The film’s success at the BAFTAs signals strong momentum as awards season continues. The Academy Awards nominations will be announced in March, and the film industry will be closely watching to see if One Battle After Another can maintain its winning streak.
The BAFTA awards serve as a significant indicator of potential Oscar success, and this year’s ceremony has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting and competitive awards season. The wins for Aramayo and Buckley also highlight the emergence of modern talent and the continued strength of British filmmaking.
The next major milestone will be the announcement of the Academy Award nominations in March. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of awards season and the latest developments in the film industry.
What did you consider of the BAFTA winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!